Restaurant reviews, movie critiques, puppy updates, links to neat places, book recommendations, and anything else that I feel the need to post on the WWW (that is the World Wide Web for the more acronymically challenged)

8.12.2006

We just got back from the Joint Statistics Meetings which were held in Seattle this year. What a great city. The weather was wonderful, cool and a nice mix of sunny and dreary. We stayed at the Marriott Waterfront which was on Pier 66. We had a beautiful view of Elliott Bay out our balcony. Pike Street Market was about 3-4 blocks from the hotel, and I walked through it to the convention center every day. We did a lot of walking (which was fantatic in the cool weather) and a lot of eating (dining itinerary to follow) in the 5 days we stayed. We visited a gallery of dog and cat art (The Studio of Ken Bailey) which is where the pictures come from.

The hot growing season resulted in a “big” Pinot Noir with a dark ruby color, and aromas of ripe black plums, dark berries, currants, and cassis framed by sweet and spicy oak notes. The concentrated ripe berry fruit mid-palate is balanced by lively acidity. The finish is long and succulent.

2002 Sagelands Cabernet Sauvignon

This wine reveals an intense nose of Bing cherry aroma, and a delicate touch of sweet vanilla and caramel. On the palate, bright cherry flavors, round tannins and a touch of cocoa powder on the lingering finish.

Clean, vibrant and intense, with crisp green apple, spice, citrus and hazelnut flavors that feature lively acidity and a long, persistent finish that keeps the fruit at the forefront.

Elk Cove Williamette Valley Pinot Noir

This 2002 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley gives beautiful black fruit combined with an intensity of earth showing on the nose. The palate follows the bouquet with sweet black cherries intertwined nicely with tar and spice notes, finishing off with a bit of tobacco while acknowledging the purity of fruit and acidity.

This blend of African and South American coffees is an aromatic masterpiece. The sweet floral aroma inspires a cup that is bright and delicate with hints of blackberry and citrus. Tully's Breakfast Blend brings warmth to the beginning of your day.

Caramel Latte Macchiato

The Latte Macchiato is essentially a layered latte, prepared to inspire a unique espresso experience. Hovering just under a layer of foam, the espresso is present in the very first sip, along with a touch of foam, followed by velvety steamed milk for a unique blending of flavor.

The creation of the Fiscalini family. A semi-hard cheese with a natural rind and a mild buttery taste. The best of many cheese we love all rolled into one wheel. Straw in color, it is a wonderful cheese for snacking, but can also be used as a topping for soups or salads. Superb grating and melting cheese.

8.05.2006

Chili is growing up. She is now almost 30 pounds. She is actually heavy when you pick her up now. And, when she uses your leg as a pillow, her weight can put your leg to sleep.

Since her last trip to the vet, where she was boarded for two days, she has become quite unmanageable when it comes time to crate her. She essentially turns into Cujo when she nears the crate. We have tried feeding her in the crate, and that has helped some, but she still hates the crate. Since she is better about not peeing in the house (at least not as much), we have begun leaving her out for short trips away from home. So far she has done pretty well.She has also learned a few commands (or as she sees them, suggestions)

Come - this one works about 60% to 70% of the time

Sit - she is pretty good with this

Down - she is also good at this one

Shake - she just learned this, so it is still improving

All of these commands go out the window as soon as a cat walks through her field of vision. And, when there is food involved, she will go through all she knows in no partcular sequence. We have tried to teach "off", but that only works about 10% of the time.

The other big event in Chili's life in the past couple of weeks was the purchase of a Gentle Leader Head Collar. This contraption came highly recommended by pretty much everybody in the world of pets (Humane Society, vets, etc.). You put this deal around the dog's head and also part of it goes around their snout. Then the leash attaches to the part that is around their nose, so that when they walk too far ahead of you or pull on the leash, their head gets turned around. It is supposed to work miracles. It lasted under two seconds. She pulled it off immediately. After re-tightening the leader so that she was essentially muzzled, we tried again. This time she fell over on her side, paws working at the leader like mad, and the thing came off in under a minute. We tried several days, thinking that she might get used to the dumb thing. Didn't happen. When I mentioned this to the guy at Bone Adventure in Edina, he recommended the Gentle Leader Easy Walk Harness as an alternative. This worked like magic. She doesn't mind the harness, and it turns walking a 30 pound maniac into a breeze.

8.02.2006

California. How do I describe thee? Hot. Yep, that pretty much sums it up. And, to be perfectly honest, it isn't any cooler while you are wearing a tuxedo in that torrid heat. Enough about the heat, let's get on to the crux of this post.

We got Josh hitched! That picture is of him and his bride, Emily. He was the first of our friends to get married and actually have several of us at his wedding. Before this one we are a combined 0 for 3. (Two dis-engagments, and a divorce.) But, I have faith in this one. They really are good for each other.

Not too much to report. The wedding was far better than the bachelor party (Hooray!). The ceremony was poignant and succinct. The food at the reception was not bad. The DJ played some good tunes. People danced, including Tim. Seth and Charlie had the women making goo-goo eyes at them. Josh didn't trip or step on Emily's train. All in all a resounding success.